Our Good Olympic Fortune

[eh2zed]

We just returned from a b2b on the Splendour out of Venice. During the first week our youngest daughter (30) joined us. She particularly wanted to see Olympia and Athens since she took ancient sport in University. A few days before our stop in Katakolon (Olympia) we were informed the ancient Olympia site would not open until 2 pm on the day we were scheduled to arrive there. The reason was this was the day the official lighting of the Vancouver Winter Olympic torch was taking place. What a coincidence that we had not anticipated but it gave rise to a tremendous once in a lifetime opportunity.
When we arrived in Katakolon we took the 0825 train to Olympia and walked to the Museum but had to pass through heavy security. The museum wasn't open either but to our good fortune we learned that spectators were being let in the back entrance to the ancient stadium. After another security scan we were the first into the ancient stadium and were able to get a spot on the grass bowl inside the stadium right in the front.
We had to wait a few more hours for the ceremony to start. A few thousand spectators including bus loads of school children arrived.
As Canadians we were absolutely thrilled to see the theatrical ceremony, the speeches and the running off of the Olympic torch. I got pictures taken with the Premier of British Columbia, the federal Minister of Sport and the Mayor of Vancouver, all of whom came over to the crowd to say hello to a number of Canadians in the crowd.
What made it even more special for me is that I am on the local committee planning for the torch run through our city in late December on its way to Vancouver for the February games.

It was a particular thrill for my daughter and for all of us. Something we will always remember. Just had to share!!

[cruiseguy1016]

What a thrilling experience! Congratulations.

[PH8]

How special is that!!!! You sure lucked out.............

[Deets]

You couldn't have planned it any better if you had tried! What an awesome story and memory of a lifetime.

[cruisenfever]

That is an event you will always remember. How lucky to be in the right place at the right time.

[Kailyn]

How awesome! Please post some pics if you get a cance, we'd love to see!

[grand isle joe]

eh2zed, Sounds like it was a memorable time. Great beginning to a spectacular event I'm sure Canada will be one of the best hosts in history. Always have a great time visiting Canada and the world will share your great hospitality thru the Olympics that we have always found. Hope you found the Splendour...hmm..splendid! We hade a fantastic cruise and one of the best crews on RCCL. OH CANADA.......!

[eh2zed]

Originally Posted by Kailyn

How awesome! Please post some pics if you get a cance, we'd love to see!

I will try to do that. Got them in my computer already.
Thanks

[dirtgirl]

That sounds absolutely wonderful! So glad you got to experience that!

Yep, in 3 short months, the Olympics will begin here in Vancouver!

[newbiecruiser09]

What a fantastic opportunity for you! Sometimes good timing is better than good planning. Would also love to see the pics.

[snausman]

WOW, that must have been just fantastic!!! That is a once in a lifetime event, good for you all.

[SEASONEDCRUZER]

WOW!! I am so happy you were in the right place at the right time!

I saw and touched the torch for the Calgary Olympics back in 1988 when it came to Vancouver and I am so looking forward to having the Olympics in our city in 2010!

That is a cruise you will always remember for the unexpected event you got to experience in addition to all the planned excursions etc!

[eh2zed]

Here are a few pictures. My first time posting pictures so be kind. A bit out of order of occurence
Priestess bringing newly lit flame in the cauldron into the ancient stadium.
Lighting the primary Olympic torch
The lit Vancouver torch with Greek athlete about to commence run to Athens
Lighting the Vancouver torch
Priestesses dramatic ceremony

[FreewayFortune]

Thanks for posting the pics and sharing your great experience. I remember how excited I was when they announced that we had been awarded the Olympics. I can't believe how close they are

[eh2zed]

Here are a few more.
Jacques Rogues, President of the IOC
Playing of Greek, Olympic and Canadian anthems
Extinguishing the cauldron

[glendale cruiser]

What a great experiance! Thanks for sharing it's hard to believe it's 3 short months away. In one of my favorite Canadian cities to boot!
Sue

[tomko2]

Wow, that is what travel is all about -- experiences that make life long memories.
It was so wonderful you were able to be there at that moment in time.
Look forward to watching the Olympics!
Kathy

[FreewayFortune]

I'm hopeful we can win a gold medal this time Depending on how the mens hockey team does maybe it will inspire the Leafs to win another game

[eh2zed]

Originally Posted by FreewayFortune

I'm hopeful we can win a gold medal this time Depending on how the mens hockey team does maybe it will inspire the Leafs to win another game

Now don't make fun of my Leafs

[West Vancouver Cruiser]

We were on a trip to Europe a few years ago and our visit coincided with some pretty interesting events that we hadn't planned on.

We were in London when the 2012 summer Olympic games were awarded to them (party in the streets). Unfortunately, London bus and tube bombings happened the next day, which was pretty scary (given we had been on double decker buses and in the tube just the night before).

Later in the trip we were in Paris and happened upon Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow at the finish line of the Tour de France. We had no idea that event was happening so it was pretty exciting.

So far, our cruises have not coincided with any unexpected local events, but we have enjoyed them nonetheless.